Where do nasal crusts come from?

Where do boogers come from and can you get rid of them

Picking your nose and eating so-called "boogers" is a phenomenon that is most often associated with childhood. However, as research shows, even adults can't always resist this simple and strange ritual.

In this article, we will discuss the reasons for the appearance of these nasal formations, what scientists say about them, and what to do to maintain nasal health.

What are "boogers" and how do they form?

"Boogers" are dried crusts that form in the nasal cavity as a result of drying mucus that gets on the nasal mucosa. Mucus is produced to protect the respiratory tract from harmful particles such as dust, microbes, and other substances that can enter the body when breathing.

The main function of the nasal mucus is to protect the respiratory tract from harmful particles and clean the air before it enters the lungs. As the air passes through the nose, the mucus moisturizes and cleans it, helping to prevent pollutants from entering the body.

Why do boogers appear

• dry air

• allergic reactions

• infectious diseases,

• violation of nasal hygiene

• picking your nose

Fact: According to research, about 90% of people occasionally pick their nose. This happens with both children and adults. Some people pick their nose for various reasons, from trying to remove irritating crusts to a simple nervous gesture or habit. But what happens if someone decides to eat what they found in their nose?

What happens if you eat boogers?

Eating boogers is an action that is considered impolite, but from a scientific perspective, there are several aspects to consider:

1. In one study, Canadian professor Scott Napper from the University of Saskatchewan suggested that ingesting small foreign particles from the nose, such as dust and bacteria, can "train" the immune system.

2. However, boogers can also accumulate pollutants from the air, dust, and toxins. Consuming these elements can lead to unpleasant consequences for health, especially if there is already inflammation or infection in the body.

3. Nasal mucus is covered with microbiota - a collection of bacteria that exist on the mucous membranes. Most of these bacteria are harmless or beneficial to the body. However, in the case of harmful pathogens (e.g. staphylococci), eating boogers can lead to the transfer of these bacteria to the mouth and stomach.

4. Eating boogers in adults can be a sign of nervous behavior or habit.

How to properly get rid of nasal crusts?

Nasal crusts can be unpleasant and cause discomfort, but there are several safe ways to remove them:

• Humidifying the nasal mucosa with products containing hyaluronic acid. It forms a protective film on the surface of the mucosa, preventing moisture from evaporating. One product is Otrivin. It removes excess secretions from the nose and has no addictive properties.

• Using humidifiers. If the air in the room is too dry (below 29%), using a humidifier can help maintain a healthy humidity level, preventing mucus from drying out in the nose.

• Avoid picking your nose. Despite the temptation to remove annoying crusts, frequent nose-picking can damage the nasal mucosa and even lead to infections. Frequent picking can disrupt tissue integrity and lead to bleeding and inflammation.

* Otrivin is the №1 product recommended by ENT doctors in Russia, according to a survey by Prindex, 4th quarter.